Happy (belated) New Year!!
Although I’m always a little flat after the rush of the end of year hoopla, I would be remiss if I did not thank my small but mighty team for guiding the store through the holidays. Thank you from the bottom of my tired heart! Most importantly though, we must thank our customers. YOU are what allows our store to continue here. We love helping you find what you need for yourself or for gifts, hearing about your foodie or travel plans, sharing your successes or offering suggestions when results aren’t as planned. We were gobsmacked that our last cooking class release sold out in one day and apologize to those who did not get into classes they hoped to. Thank you for your continued support. The beginning of the year is always a time of reflection for me – reviewing the past year and looking forward to what lies ahead.
February has two dates to celebrate. Valentine's Day and Family Day
For Valentine’s Day there will be a special entrée and lots of chocolate and gift ideas for those that wish to show some love.
We also have prepared meals, charcuterie boards and much more for Family Day so you don't have to cook and instead spend time with friends and family.
February 14, 2025 – Valentine’s Day
February 17, 2025 – Family Day (we are closed because it’s a Monday)
STORE HOURS:
Monday - CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Don't just walk by, drop in and say Hi!
Lisa
IN THE STORE
It’s Oatmeal Season – Get your Spurtle out!
Spurtles originated in the Scottish Highlands in the 15th century and have since become a staple in breakfast cooking. The shape of the utensil is perfect for getting into the bottom, sides and corner of the pot while you stir. We have a lovely new one in store made of olive wood .To go with your oatmeal you may also need a little drizzle of La Fabrick Special Reserve maple syrup,and a sprinkle of Ceylon Cinnamon.
Belberry Sauces from Royal Selections.
The arrival of so many items in the store before Christmas it was hard to highlight them all. One of those under the radar was the Raspberry Coulis and Strawberry Coulis from Belberry Royal Selections. Enjoy this fruit sauce with vanilla pudding, ice cream, pancakes or waffles. Add a “puddle” below or a “drizzle” on top of your favourite cake (chocolate ganache, cheesecake, a simple pound cake or even a brownie) and your composed dessert is instantly worthy of a Valentine’s Day celebration!
Salt!
Salt is undeniably the most important ingredient in the kitchen. It brings out the flavour of your food and drinks, adds texture, and can even be used as a preservation or cooking method. So why is such a crucial ingredient so often stowed away in the spice cabinet or trapped in an imprecise grinder or shaker?
Instead of storing your salt in the cupboard or a grinder, try a salt cellar—it keeps the essential ingredient within reach and makes seasoning your food easy. And our clear glass option allows you to take inventory of exactly how much of this crucial seasoning you have on hand with just a glance.
DANISH WHISK
The flow-through design of this dough whisk/mixer allows dough to pass through three loops in succession, quickly mixing the ingredients. Since it has only 5% of the surface area of a standard mixing spoon, it mixes faster, requires less force, combines ingredients more evenly, and doesn't overwork the dough in the process.
The secret to its effectiveness is that the hardened stainless-steel loops of different diameters are in three separate planes, one behind the other. The design originated with the Danes long ago, but now the whisk is made only in Poland.
Alternative uses of the whisks range from preparing bread dough to cookie and muffin batter, pie filling and pastry. If you search "Danish dough whisk" on the web, you can find numerous other uses and many enthusiastic reviews.
Note from Lisa." I was skeptical about this dough whisk being touted as "better than the stand mixer" for mixing dough ,so I took it home, made bread and am now a complete convert!"
Groix & Nature – Lobster Oil and Langoustine Oil from France
The island of Groix lies off the south coast of Brittany in France. Groix & Nature has a cannery on this little island where they produce a variety of seafood related products using traditional methods which value their Breton heritage and promote the island’s culinary traditions. Their efforts have awarded them recognition by Le Collège Culinaire de France as a quality artisan producer. We are carrying their Lobster Oil and Langoustine Oil with Natural Truffle flavour in the store. This special product will add a gourmet touch to mixed salads, grilled fish or seafood and is an easy way to elevate a risotto or pasta dish with very little effort. See our recipe below which we think would be a perfect Valentine’s Day entrée!
CHEESE NEWS
You choose what you want or we are happy to make the choices for you. Prices are based on the weight of the products chosen and we can work within whatever your budget is. Are you looking for crowd pleasing favourites for 12 or a higher end curated board for a small gathering with foodie friends? Either way we will make it look fabulous with the addition of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, olives, chutney and garnish. All you need to do is remove the lid and it is ready to roll! Let the nibbling begin!
A perfect pairing...
Aside from our own house made Passionate Cook's Carmelized Onion Chutney, we are partial to a fig jam for pairing with cheese. The Divina Fig and Chili Fig spreads are made in Greece using Aegean figs and are wonderful with a variety of both hard and soft cheeses.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
GLUTEN FREE CORNER
Proud Moment in my Kitchen
I've never really been a bread lover, regardless of the type or quality.
When I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, not being able to eat regular bread wasn't a big deal to me at all.
Then the Pandemic hit and everyone was making artisan or sour dough bread, I started thinking I should get on the bread train.
Using the amazing Caputo Gluten Free flour, I followed this recipe :
https://oliviaskitchen.com/gluten-free-no-knead-bread/
It was devine! As you can see in the picture, I used my Danish Dough Whisk, my Banneton and spread that delicious boule with our unsalted luxerious butter from France-One bite-Priceless!
Places I have been recently:
I had a delicious meal at Carmelina's Italian restaurant in Markham. They are very knowledgable about Celiac disease and their food was delicious!
Haley Bakes (our Toronto correspondent) went to a fabulous Italian restaurant on Dundas W called Viaggio. Not only did they make an incredible house made pasta but they had gluten free Brioche as well!!!
Needless to say, I will be trying that restaurant very soon!